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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Today as I web-walked I saw this article on 39 Ways to give your walls a makeover. What was particularly grabbing is that the suggestions are sooo easy to do and includes many basic items you'd have around the house. Even as I was about to bookmark the page, I said, why not share this with other mums, who are keen on Do It Yourself (DIY) projects, but just may not have the 'extra' time.
I am super pumped to start one of these, especially as the festive season rolls in. This is against the backdrop that I've dabbled in a few DIY projects myself...including giving my couches a full makeover, making christmas centre-pieces etc but sadly, I have no pics of those.
I do have a snippet of some recyclable projects that I did recently enough though...

That wooden window blind, I used to cover a door that just always seemed out of place in the living room and since we do not ever use that side entrance, I decided to camouflage it. I also draped it and used tacks to make hanging posts and basically glues images to a gift bag that I cut in half, the hand mark piece is a cast we made of Kai's hands and her first medal at pre-school athletics meet. I'll add or subtract items as we go along, but this has become a cosy little corner in my living room and is wedged between too couches and has a side table in front of it....added a nice little touch.
The vase (I deliberately took the shot sideways so you could see the gold strings I tied in place) is made from three baby formula cans stacked together and wrapped with that black fabric... The 'flowers' I've had for close to 2 years now when I made a wreath for a funeral back then.
Also featured are two red trays I have no idea where I picked them up, but they used to store just about every odd item I found in Kai's room. Recently, I plopped two photographs in, used ribbons to hold it together and voila.
Now I've been meaning to do something for my wall- wanted to do a silhouette kinda splatter painting, but now seeing these ideas I'm duly excited.
So I'll go in search of supplies sometime next week and will be sure to post the finished products.
Here's the full list of suggestions.
Feel free to join the DIY project and be sure to share your finished product with us.
Here's a slide of my fave from the article, mainly based on the materials used and how easily I think I can get them

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

It's been a while, but that's what happens when a 20 sometime part time blogging mum, becomes a "I want to have my own business" kind of one; when the days become longer, the mornings shorter and you work towards the great reward that will come after.
This is also compounded when you make many other changes including growing and caring for your new natural hair and experimenting to soothe your smoothie slurping ways. But generally, its about being busy, yet taking care of YOU!!! and what better time to embrace and promote that message than here and now October- Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Indeed based on the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this post should've greeted you on October first, but kindly refer to reasons listed above to determine why.
Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month attracts much international attention as it shines the spotlight on what is dubbed a "#1 female killer". Want to know how grave Breast cancer can be, check these facts from Every 2 minutes, there is a new breast cancer diagnosis.
Every 14 minutes, a life is lost to the disease.
Over 40,000 people will die this year; about 400 of them will be men.
85% of all diagnoses have no family history.
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55.
There is also alarming piece of data which suggests that "One in every 229 women aged 30-39 will be diagnosed with breast cancer within the next 10 years"
Did you see that?? It therefore means that many women diagnosed with Breast Cancer would've been in the prime of their parenting years.
But lest we focus on the problems and not the solutions, what can I do? you ask??

Am I kidding? Nope, it is recommended that women 20 years and over do regular Breast Self examinations. This is an easy procedure that should be done every month, ideally just after one has a period and here are some very easy picturesque steps.
Next all women aged 40 years and over are encouraged to do regular mammograms. The key point here my mamas is that early detection can save our tatas....
Like our hair, our breasts are beautiful bouncing balls that add to what makes us women and so if there's ever a way to protect them, knowing the facts about and taking the necessary steps will help to dampen the effects of Breast Cancer.
Apart from Breast Self exams, equipping yourself with the facts, all women are encouraged to go on a mission- sharing this data with your darling sisters, mothers, fellow fashionistas and friends will go a long way in increasing awareness levels of the dangers and how to prevent it.
Locally, the Jamaica Cancer Society and Reach to Recovery (voluntary group of
breast cancer survivors, friends and well-wisher) organizes a full calendar of events such as:
* Jamaica Reach to Recovery - Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk on October 27that the National Stadium's East Field (registration deadline closes this Friday, October 19th, so you can still make it).
* Breast Cancer Medical Symposium on October 19 with topics such as Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
* World mammography day on October 19th
among others.. See a full Calendar at the Jamaica Cancer Society's Event's Page
Additionally, the Wisynco distributed Yoplait brand has launched a Save Lids to Save Lives campaign which donates a $ figure form every Pink lid Yoplait sold throughout October to the Jamaica Cancer Society for its varied outreach efforts.
and even as this month celebrates women and our awareness about our bodies, Check out a well deserved treat @ Accessorize Me Ja on Facebook where all women's Shoes (boots, half boots, wedges, heels, pumps, slingbacks etc) have been slashed to one low rate as a part of their Pink Premium Promotion.
You deserve it... Until then, Live healthy, Love your body and preserve it and while you're at it, love your boobies as much as men do ;)